Article by Hannah Lin

I was introduced to Muskoka just over 20 years ago. We came here with two big dogs, a truck full of treasures, books, art supplies and tools, my life-partner and myself. We did a lot of hiking and explored the region looking for a place we could call home. We house-sat and winterized a cottage, then found a small house on five forested acres, 20 minutes from town.

We’ve skied, walked and snowshoed behind the property which winds through several acres of boreal forest, juniper where it opens into rocky clearings, crosses a creek and navigates a few swamps. Back there, somewhere, we found an artesian well and the foundation of a log cabin church near the main road.

Getting to know Muskoka has been a slow dance. We didn’t fall in love at first sight but we were closer to family in Ontario. Opportunities and choices led to interesting work, meaningful projects and we loved the place in the forest.

I am grateful for the quiet, the quality of air and water. We raised chickens and built a yurt. We tried maple syruping around the yard. Personally, I’d rather support locals at the farmer’s market. My commute is winding back roads, only occasionally interrupted by wild turkeys.

The first community we met was the artists community – we volunteered at Muskoka Arts and Crafts and were involved in seasonal shows and exhibitions. We were among the 20 co-founding members of the Arts at the Albion cooperative gallery. In large part because of my work at the YWCA, I am grateful to be part of a growing community of activists, women and gender diverse folk across the region. I’m a proud member of the District Inclusion Advisory Group which is playing a critical role as the region becomes more populated and racially diverse.

Sometimes rural living still makes me feel lonely and isolated. Muskoka can be divided by townships, bylaws, property lines, attitudes and that can be challenging and frustrating.

Five years ago, Muskoka became a balm for the soul. I worked from the bunkie. We paid attention to devastating news but also watched the ice retreating and the woodpeckers that occupied the trees unfurling new leaves. I downloaded Seek to identify more plants, and I discovered there were several on daily dog walks that actually originated from somewhere else.

I am a settler here. My heritage is first generation Chinese and also Welsh and Swiss or German. Similar to the families who have named roads across Muskoka, my ancestors came from Europe to Nova Scotia in the 19th century. I believe it’s important to remember that Indigenous peoples have cared for and travelled these lands long before us.

Muskoka is the traditional territory of the Anishnaabeg and home to three sovereign nations: Wahta Mohawks First Nations, Moose Deer Point First Nation and the Moon River Métis. The Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee Nations have also inhabited this territory over time. I feel both honour and humility to take the time to walk the road with families through Wahta in June and September. I will volunteer at Muskoka’s second powwow coming up at the end of June.

I used to think of myself as nomadic, from Ottawa to Trent University, to the west coast, a cannery museum, Haida Gwaii and the Kootenays. I realize I’ve now lived in Muskoka longer than anywhere else in my life.

This is my land acknowledgement. Like the many turtles we stop to help across the roads every May to June, it’s taking a while to make the journey. I love Muskoka for the gift of place it has instilled in me. 

Hannah Lin is the executive director of the Community YWCA of Muskoka. She received YWCA Canada’s Carolyn B. Bray Award for Spirit, Dedication and Creativity in 2024. Her partner is David Cureton, a luthier who owns and operates Muskoka Guitars where he builds musical instruments from Indigenous hardwoods.